Nick Luck Racing Preview – Ascot and Haydock Saturday 19th December

Here’s BetBright Ambassador, Nick Luck, with his tips ahead of the action at Ascot and Haydock on Saturday afternoon…

Ascot 1.50 – Petticoat Tails 10/1

She’s got quite a bit to find on ratings here, but Petticoat Tailscan improve a fair bit for the step up to a proper staying trip. She represents last year’s winning stable (currently in fine form) and boasts a career best at this track. While she has a tendency to race lazily, she keeps galloping for pressure and should be suited by conditions.

Ascot 2.25 – Seddon 9/2

Seddon might have disappointed a few people this season, but his run here behind Supreme favourite Angel’s Breath was pretty smart and he looks fairly handicapped on that basis. This is not a deep race for the money on offer, and Seddon can run very well. Thosedaysaregone looked miles ahead of the game at Wetherby last weekend, but there’s no juice left in his price.

Ascot 3.00 – Belami des Pictons 13/2

He’s been off a long time, but that’s never too much of a worry with Venetia Williams horses and he looks perfectly fairly handicapped judged on his run behind Waiting Patiently at Carlisle last season. If he returns in the same shape, expect him to travel and jump enthusiastically. There a plenty with good claims here – Benatar and Mister Whitaker appeal most among his rivals.

Ascot 3.35 – Altior

He’s impossible to oppose.

Haydock 2.05 – Mister Fisher 4/5

He’s no price, butMister Fisher looks a very smart prospect and can take this before lining up as a key contender for the Supreme. Speed is his key asset, and he should have too much toe around this sharp track for Bright Forecast, who is himself quite an exciting proposition.

Haydock 2.40 – Global Citizen 4/1

On his day, Global Citizen looks very talented and I’m pretty sure he’s a fair bit better than his respectable fourth in the Christmas Hurdle. This is easier anyway, but he might prefer this return to a left handed track and, crucially, he may well get an uncontested lead. I wouldn’t want any further rain before racing.

Haydock 3.15 – Otago Trail

Otago Trailran a fine race on his comeback at Newcastle and might have paid for that with a rather indifferent performance at Ascot. If you’re a forgiving type, you’re getting a few extra points on the price and the services of the excellent 7lb claimer Hugh Nugent thrown into the bargain.

Bet on horse racing

Odds are provided at time of writing, please check your betslip to confirm they have not changed before betting.